“I am so excited for that 100,000th delivery, because it shows that God has led us and because it shows what is most important to him, which is serving the poor,” said My Brother’s Keeper co-founder Terry Orcutt.

Jennifer Bray

When the delivery men stepped inside a small, drafty apartment in Taunton on a bitterly cold Friday morning they didn’t have to worry about moving things out of the way.

The father, mother and 4-year-old son have lived there since September. Without a stick of furniture. The family had been sleeping on the floor. They had been eating their meals there, as well.

Just one object stood in a corner of the room. A music stand. When one of the delivery men asked the woman if she played an instrument, she shook her head and said no, that is where we keep our bible.

For the family in Taunton, their prayers were answered thanks to a visit from My Brother’s Keeper, which delivers furniture, food, and this time of year, Christmas gifts, free of charge.

The charity, which is based in Easton, is poised to celebrate an astonishing milestone perhaps as soon as next week – helping their 100,000th family. The deliveries made free of charge to local families in need. There are no prerequisites for receiving help.

“Our mission is to bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to those we serve,” said co-founder Jim Orcutt. He and his wife, Terry, created My Brother’s Keeper 25 years ago after a profound experience of living at a retreat called Cursillo with the Holy Cross Fathers at Stonehill College. It inspired them to create the organization that now helps families in 34 towns and cities. They also opened a facility in Dartmouth this past fall.

Today 3,000 volunteers and nine full-time employees work from its Easton and Dartmouth facilities to make 8,000 deliveries across eastern Massachusetts each year. My Brother’s Keeper is the only charity in southeastern Massachusetts providing furniture free of charge. They depend solely on private charitable donations.

A colorful sign hanging in the warehouse of the Easton building on Friday afternoon proclaimed “The countdown to 100k total deliveries since 1988 - 98,016.”

As My Brother’s Keeper nears the 100,000 mark, the number renews Terry Orcutt’s faith in God.

“I am so excited for that 100,000th delivery, because it shows that God has led us and because it shows what is most important to him, which is serving the poor,” she said.

The warehouse it has been transformed into Santa’s workshop. Normally staffed with 150 volunteers weekly, the run-up to Christmas sees 1,000 volunteers pour through its doors.

“The opportunity to make a difference and touch other people’s lives is the great beauty of My Brother’s Keeper,” said President Erich Miller.

Rows and rows of new bikes, assembled and ready to roll are adorned with giant red velvet bows on the handlebars. Racks of toys arranged by age and interest go as far back as the eye can see. Legos, colorful children’s books, stuffed animals, magic kits and bright red wagons are being wrapped up by volunteers.

It’s a beehive of activity. There is the sound of paper being torn for gifts, many voices asking questions and answering, the rainbow-colored Christmas lights twinkling throughout the warehouse and the smell of baking bread for the volunteers’ lunches fills the air.

The Estella family of Southboro is volunteering At My Brother’s Keeper for the first time.

“I heard about it through a co-worker, and she educated me on the mission and we thought it would make a great opportunity for our kids,” said Jeff Estella, 42.

The Estella family has been asked to find items in the warehouse for a family of three children and their mother, then wrapping and labeling the gifts.

“It makes me feel good to help,” said 9-year-old Cameron Estella. She was busy ripping sheets of white paper adorned with candy canes and holly for gift-wrapping.

Her brother, 11-year-old Ryan, had been busy gathering Matchbox cars, a comforter, clothes and more.

For Brenda Estella, 42, My Brother’s Keeper gives her the chance to introduce their kids to volunteering.

“This is a great opportunity for our kids. Some organizations have age limits, and I struggle to find things that a 9-year-old can do. They can’t serve in a soup kitchen until they are 12,” Estella said. “Here they are not limited, and they can take it all in,” she said. The family will be back again to help, she said.

“This 100,000th delivery will be great,” said Jim Orcutt. “But let’s start on the next 100,000,” he said.

For more information about My Brother’s Keeper, visit their website at www.MyBrothersKeeper.org

Jennifer Bray may be reached at jbray@enterprisenews.com or follow her on Twitter @JenniferB_ENT.

READ MORE about this issue.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.